Available loans
Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Total subjects
8
Price
$23,000
Study method
Online and some attendance
Assessments
100% online
Credit available
Yes
Applications Close
- No dates available
Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. We offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Our courses offered through OUA span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.
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Degree details
At the completion of the degree, students are expected to have:
- recognise the interdisciplinary nature of gerontology for understanding ageing and informing policy and practice that supports living well in later life;
- describe and discuss key concepts in gerontology (eg life course perspective, ageism, personhood, ageing in place, quality of life) and their implications for professional practice;
- differentiate between the different dimensions of ageing and discuss the significance to clinical practice, the social context of ageing and psychological wellbeing in later life;
- illustrate an understanding of cultural responsiveness as fundamental to approaching research, advocacy, support and care of older people;
- identify and critically analyse contemporary debates in the research literature in relation to ageing and aged care; from a local, national and global perspective;
- demonstrate the capacity to take an evidence-based approach to policy, practice and service development to support older people to maximise quality of life;
- apply academic rigour in researching and developing a project proposal;
- identify ethical concerns in relation to investigating issues in relation to ageing and older people;
- demonstrate capacity for reflective practice to facilitate personal and professional continuous learning and contributing to the learning environment of the workplace.
Career opportunities in gerontology are expanding rapidly with global ageing. Gerontologists work in a range of employment settings including aged care homes, community care and acute hospitals as well as local, state and federal government departments, policy and advocacy organisations, universities and the private sector. Nurses, physicians, allied health and non-clinicians from a range of professions will be able to use gerontological knowledge to inform policy, planning and practice.
Insights from gerontologists can provide companies in various fields a competitive edge and their specialised knowledge can help to better identify and respond to the needs of older adults, and address ageing stereotypes and misrepresentations. Especially exciting is the growth in entrepreneurial gerontology by which gerontologists are able to assess, identify, develop and offer programs, products and services to meet the unique and varied needs of older adults.
Higher education
Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in a health-related field; or hold the Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology from Flinders University or equivalent qualification.
English Proficiency Requirements
Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses.
This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants:
- first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
- completed secondary schooling in Australia
- completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
- completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution
- completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program
- performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements
- registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
- achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
- completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider
In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application.
On campus requirements
Some option topics may require students to attend intensive workshops on-campus
Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.
Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment. More information is available at www.flinders.edu.au/credit
This articulated, multidisciplinary program in applied gerontology was developed to address the professional needs of graduates involved with policy, planning, and research or service delivery for older people, as well as those who are interested in understanding the issues surrounding the ageing process.
These courses feature seven key perspectives throughout each topic:
- healthy, positive ageing
- life-course framework for understanding ageing
- multidisciplinary approach
- multicultural awareness and a global viewpoint
- lifelong learning and e-learning for improving professional practice
- research, evaluation and evidence-based planning and service delivery
- ethical decision making.
The courses provide:
- leading edge content for students across the world
- an interdisciplinary team approach, appreciating diverse professional perspectives
- relevance to your immediate and potential future professional needs
- enjoyable, successful learning through well-structured topics
- a flexible delivery mode enabling students to undertake study by distance and part time, to match your hectic work and life schedules.
It is 1 year in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.
Recommended Study Pattern
Students complete three core (compulsory) topics and five option topics selected from a range of option topics available. These topics aim to provide students with understanding of applied gerontology concepts e.g. healthy ageing, life-course, multidisciplinary practice, ageist stereotyping and their implications for professional practice as well as provide the opportunity to undertake an effective literature review and critical appraisal of gerontological research.
This graduate diploma articulates with the Master of Applied Gerontology.
Award Requirements
To complete the requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Applied Gerontology, students must successfully complete three core (compulsory) subjects and five elective subjects chosen from a range of electives.
Exit Points
Alternatively, students who enrol directly in the Graduate Diploma may choose subsequently only to meet the requirements for the Graduate Certificate and exit with that qualification.